Tips For Packing

Let’s face it: “Unless you’re a minimalist, moving is one of the biggest household tasks there is and it can be extremely overwhelming. But if you can get a head start and stay organized, you should make it through this mammoth process unscathed and ready to enjoy your new abode”.

Get organized early

Avoid leaving anything until the last minute. Unless you have to pack up and leave in a hurry, chances are you have between 30 and 60 days to make a plan and ensure that moving day runs smoothly. Create a countdown list and itemize everything you need to accomplish week by week.

Figure out your move strategy

How are you going to get from point A to point B on moving day? For shorter moves, you’ll either need to assemble some very nice friends with trucks or consider renting a truck for the day. If you have a big family to move or you’ll be moving a long distance, you’ll want to price out moving companies.

Keep your movers in the loop

Boxes are one thing, but when you get to the big, heavy stuff, it’s important to let your movers know what to expect. Communicate with your moving company and explain all the requirements and expectations prior to booking. Your mover has to be aware of all those minor details in order to estimate your total move time and cost, and have proper equipment available.” That includes informing the company about any overweight items (i.e. a piano or fridge), access restrictions (small elevator, walk-up only, narrow driveway) and whether you’ll need help with disassembly or assembly of furniture.

Seize the opportunity to purge

Moving is a great chance to organize your belongings and get rid of items you no longer use. If the time of year permits, hold a garage sale. Or, take the time to sort and donate gently worn clothing, put furniture up for sale on a site like gumtree.co.za, recycle old magazines and catalogues and shred old documents.

Put together a packing kit

If more than one person is packing, stay organized by establishing a system. Have blank inventory sheets prepared so one person can tackle each area or room. Arm each packer with a pen, black marker, and packing materials, like newspaper, a packing tape dispenser and boxes.

Take inventory

This is especially necessary if you’re hiring a moving company. Having a record of your household items is useful if something goes missing. Consider keeping a spreadsheet of the contents of each box. Then, assign each box a number and all you have to do is write that number on each side (maybe with the appropriate room listed, as well).

Label everything!

Label all sides of the box (avoid the top). Whoever is carrying in your boxes might not make sure all labels are facing one way for your easy retrieval. Try labelling each side in marker so you can easily find what you need in a stack.

Pack in things you need to pack

You need to take your luggage with you. Why not use it as a box? The same goes for dresser drawers. You may need to remove them for transport, but if you don’t have too far to go, they can be helpful for light items. For delicate apparel that you don’t want to fold, using a portable hanger box.

Professional movers showing up at your door, be ready for them when they arrive. With a moving company, unless you hire packers, be ready and packed before the crew arrives. Scrambling for boxes will delay your move and increase your cost.

Protect your valuables

Find a safe place to store your valuables on moving day. Insure anything that’s valuable or breakable if you’re using a moving company. And if you’re moving a computer, do a quick backup of important files just in case something happens in transit.

Delay deliveries

If you’ve made some new purchases, such as a couch or dining room suite, schedule the delivery after moving day. That will help you focus your attention on moving day itself and will avoid any congestion between delivery people and the movers.

Don’t mistake belongings for trash

Try to avoid packing things in garbage bags. Well-meaning friends or family could accidentally throw them out on moving day.

Hook up essential services

Make sure you understand how utility bills (Rates, water, electricity) will be transferred over to you from a previous owner. Also, arrange to have your phone line, cable and Internet working if necessary.

Find a pet sitter for the day

If you have a pet that could be traumatized by a move, arrange to have them stay somewhere during moving day. If you’re hiring movers for a long-distance move, be sure to arrange your pet’s safe transport to your new home.

Make nice with your new neighbours

Start off on the right foot by informing your immediate neighbours that you’ll be moving in and what kind of moving vehicles you’re using. If you’re moving on a weekday, make sure your truck isn’t blocking anyone’s exit.Make sure there’s plenty of room to park the moving truck. That’s essential on busy streets otherwise you could slow down your move.